Radiological assessment of hip osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis is defined by clinical features such as pain and by radiological features such as loss of joint space, osteophytes, and sclerosis. European surveys show that over 3% of people aged over 55 years have radiological features of hip osteoarthritis.

The prevalence of radiological abnormalities rises exponentially from under 1% before age 55 years to 10% by age 85.

Radiological changes usually progress, although rates of progression vary widely between individuals. The degree of progression is illustrated by one UK study,

in which 136 patients were followed up for a median of 27 months; 64% showed progression in at least one radiographic feature and, on the basis of a global assessment, 47% showed progression.